Health Office A-Z

Attendance
If a student will be absent or late, please call the absence line at 973-838-5250 ext.501. A written release from a physician is required if a student is absent for 3 days or more and for the control of communicable diseases. Please do not leave requests for homework on this line.

Control of Communicable Diseases
Written release is required for Conjunctivitis, Dermatitis, 5th Disease, Hepatitis, Impetigo, Meningitis, Mononucleosis, Scarlet Fever or Strep Throat. The student must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school. If a student has had a fever, vomiting and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, he or she needs to be free of symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.

Leaving school due to illness
Students, who become ill at school, should report to the health office for evaluation. Students may not leave the building due to illness without authorization from the nurse.

Medication Administration
Students who need medication during school hours must bring the original labeled container, with completed medication form(s), to the nurse. No medication will be administered without proper documentation. Students are permitted to carry and self administer emergency medications; inhaler/single dose antihistamine/epi-pen, with written permission from a physician.

Physical Education Excuses
Students who have medical concerns limiting physical activity must have a written note from a physician. The medical excuse must be specific in nature, describing exactly what activities are prohibited and what activities are permissible. Medical clearance is also required to resume activities. For an excuse for a brief period (1-2 days), a note from the parent is acceptable. If a student is completely restricted from physical activity, it is the responsibility of the physical education teacher to assign an alternative non-physical assignment(s).

Physical Examinations
District policy requires a physical examination by a licensed physician upon entry into the school district, regardless of the grade the child is entering. The New Jersey Office of Health, Safety and Physical Education recommend that all students be given a complete physical examination at least once in three years. It is recommended that all such physical examinations be performed by the family physician as he/she is best qualified to evaluate the health status of the student because of prior association with the child.

Sports Physicals
Any student wishing to participate in extracurricular sports must have a current physical on file. Physicals are current for one year from the date of the form. Any student with a history of asthma and/or medical diagnosis requiring emergency medication must have current physician orders on file in order to participate in athletics. Sports Physicals for PRM students will be offered by the school physician. 

Student Health Screenings
Weight, Height, and Blood Pressure are annual screenings. 

Vision and Auditory Acuity Screenings are performed at intervals determined by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Parents will be notified of any findings that might require further medical evaluation.

New Jersey Statutes provide for biennial scoliosis screening for all students ages 10 to 18.This examination may be done by a family physician or will be done by a trained faculty member. A parent letter is required if you do not want your child screened. Parents will be notified of any findings that might require further medical evaluation.

Two Mandatory Immunization Requirements
The NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services revised the administrative rules N.J.A.C.8:57-4. Every child born on or after January 1, 1997, and entering Grade Six on or after September 1, 2008, shall have received one dose of Tdap and one dose of ameningococcal-containing vaccine. Documentation from your physician is required in order for your child to attend school.

Your anticipated cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to call me at 973-838-5250 ext. 104 with any questions, concerns or updated information.